- Diabetes is a condition causing a build up of high levels of glucose in the body, which has damaging effects on multiple organs, skin, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, kidneys and the feet. For this reason people with diabetes can be more prone to complications and to long term impacts of leaving issues untreated.
- All Diabetic patients, types 1 and 11 should visit a Podiatrist regularly for check ups at a minimum annually, irrespective of whether or not they suffer pain.
- Neuropathy: One of the complications of diabetes is ‘neuropathy’. Neuropathy means “lack of sensation” so in patients who suffer with neuropathy, their pain response may be fully or partially absent. This means a neuropathic patient can injure themselves without realising it. Secondary infection can then manifest itself rapidly so if any diabetic patient injures their foot or ankle an early visit to a Podiatrist is essential.
- Diabetic foot ulcers: A foot ulcer in a diabetic patient is a medical emergency, and accordingly should be reviewed by a Podiatrist within 24 hrs if possible. NICE regulations are strict about this from a treatment and preventative viewpoint. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng19/chapter/Context
Common diabetic foot and ankle complications:
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Neuropathy (changes to the nerves)
- Diabetic ulceration
- Infection
- Athletes foot
